Chapter 482: The Marquis's Birthday

The car slowly drove out of the North New Pavilion.

Li Lei opened the car window and lit a cigarette.

The smoke drifted out from the window, caught by the wind, and trailed behind, stretching out into a long tail.

Inside the car, Li Lei recalled the words He Wenxin had just spoken and had to admit that he was actually quite tempted.

He knew that as long as he was willing to open his mouth, his future career would be smooth sailing, and he might even reach an unprecedented height!

Ruling a province might be too far off, but ruling a prefecture was definitely a foreseeable future!

But Li Lei also knew that no matter how objectively he relayed the message, as long as he opened this topic to Li Fei, Li Fei would inevitably be influenced by him.

Otherwise, why would the other party go to such great lengths to have him relay a message to Li Fei?

If it were just about negotiating terms, they could have just gone to talk directly.

It was all just to play the emotional card!

"Hoo—"

Li Lei let out a heavy breath, having already prepared himself mentally to face the "sugar-coated bullets" ahead.

If the other party wanted to play the emotional card with Li Fei, they would definitely play it with him first.

His nephew Feng Chenfeng was just the prelude.

Li Lei was more or less aware of the grudges Li Fei had incurred.

He knew that behind the capital of Feng Province stood the Lu family, one of the "Ten Great Clans."

A family that had existed longer than the Great Lan Dynasty must possess a foundation and means that exceeded his imagination!

He didn't know if he could withstand it, so he could only try his best not to influence Li Fei.

Twenty minutes later, Li Lei returned to the guesthouse in Datong Prefecture City.

Just as he sat down, an attendant ran over to tell him:

"Lord Li, your wife called you an hour ago. She asked you to remember to call her back once you returned."

Hearing this, Li Lei had a bad premonition.

After dismissing the attendant, he picked up the phone in the room, dialed the rotary, and called home.

Soon, the call was connected, and Zhang Yuqing's voice came from the other end:

"Hello, who is this?"

"Wife, it's me."

"Old Li? Did you just get back from your social engagement?"

"Yes."

"You must be exhausted. Remember to take the medicine I prepared for you. You're not young anymore; you need to know how to take care of yourself."

"."

Listening to his wife's gentle voice on the other end, Li Lei felt much of the fatigue in his heart swept away.

"Did you call me specifically for something?"

After chatting for a while, Li Lei finally asked.

". Hmm."

On the other end of the line, Zhang Yuqing hesitated for a moment before saying:

"Mom and Dad came to the house to find me today."

Li Lei frowned slightly. His father-in-law had also been in the Xingcheng Inspection Academy decades ago, serving as a small squad leader.

Back then, the other party hadn't looked down on him for being a poor kid and had agreed to let his daughter marry him.

After he returned from military service, his father-in-law even helped him pull strings so he could successfully enter the Inspection Academy.

Li Lei's later promotion to squadron leader had also been aided by his father-in-law's connections.

When he and Zhang Yuqing were first married, his mother-in-law had also helped the young couple a lot and never once looked down on him for having no money.

Therefore, Li Lei had always felt grateful toward his wife's family.

"Is there something wrong with Mom and Dad?"

Li Lei asked.

Zhang Yuqing: "Mom and Dad heard from somewhere about some of the things Xiaofei is doing, so they kept urging me to persuade Xiaofei to be forgiving where possible, saying there's no need to kill them all or force people into a dead end."

Li Lei felt somewhat helpless: "The level Xiaofei is at now is so high; how could Mom and Dad understand the struggles he's involved in?"

Zhang Yuqing said softly: "I understand that logic, and I've already persuaded Mom and Dad to go back. But I think some of the things they said make sense."

"Yuqing."

"Old Li, let me finish first."

"Okay."

"Mom and Dad, and I, truly don't understand the high-level struggles Xiaofei is involved in now. But I know the enemy Xiaofei is dealing with is a great family that has existed for over six hundred years. People who can exist for so long must have their own way of surviving. If they really tear off the mask completely, others might choose to die together. Xiaofei might be fine, but what about Tianyu? Tianyu isn't as powerful as Xiaofei!"

"."

Li Lei fell silent.

"Old Li, I'm not against Xiaofei taking revenge, nor do I want to hold him back. I just think, if possible, is it necessary to drive people to extinction? I... I just hope he and Tianyu can both be safe and sound."

"."

Li Lei held the receiver in silence for a while, and finally said in a somewhat hoarse voice:

"I understand. Don't worry, I will talk to Xiaofei."

Putting down the receiver, Li Lei had to sigh that the Lu family's methods were indeed formidable.

Toward him, it was all kinds of enticements.

Toward Zhang Yuqing, it was pointing out the stakes, making her worry about the potential consequences.

And what Zhang Yuqing said was indeed reasonable; if the Lu family were truly pushed to the edge, even if they couldn't hurt Li Fei, what about the others?

He believed Li Fei would definitely do his best to protect himself, Zhang Yuqing, and Li Tianyu.

But what if?

Even if Li Fei could protect them, what if his sister, his nephew's family, his parents-in-law's family... what if these people met with misfortune?

He had deep feelings for these people, but Li Fei might not. After all, only he and Zhang Yuqing had raised Li Fei.

That night, Li Lei smoked one cigarette after another in his room until dawn.

The next day, just as Li Lei was hesitating whether to call Li Fei, Li Fei took the initiative to call him.

"Li Shu."

"Xiaofei?"

"It's me. I plan to return to Xingcheng next month to spend the New Year with you and Aunt Zhang."

"Haha, that's great. Your Aunt Zhang and I will be waiting for you to come home."

"How have you been lately, Li Shu?"

"I'm doing great. Thanks to you, I'm now the Chief of Xingcheng, hahaha."

"That's because you have the ability, Li Shu; it has nothing to do with me."

"Hahaha, you, stop flattering me. How is Tianyu? That child doesn't even know how to call home."

"Sister is doing well too. She's serving as an officer in the North."

"."

The two chatted about family matters for a while.

"Li Shu, has anyone come to talk to you about the Lu family recently?"

Li Fei suddenly asked proactively.

Li Lei was startled, then relaxed: "You already know?"

"Yes, I just got the news. Did they make things difficult for you and Aunt Zhang?"

"It's not really difficult; I just didn't want to influence your judgment. At your level now, I can't help much, so I just try my best not to drag you down."

"Li Shu, no matter what level I reach in the future, you and Aunt Zhang will always be like my parents; that will never change! So don't talk about dragging me down; you are my motivation to move forward, not a burden."

Li Fei said earnestly.

These words warmed Li Lei's heart and brought him great comfort.

"Li Shu, don't worry. I will talk to the Lu family myself."

"Good, as long as you have a plan in mind."

Li Lei didn't voice his worries from the night before; he believed Li Fei would handle things well.

The two chatted for a few more sentences before hanging up.

In the study, after Li Fei put down the receiver, he called the Hou Fu steward in.

"Marquis, what are your orders?"

"Among the visiting cards submitted earlier, is there one from the Lu family?"

"Yes, it was sent by Earl Wu Xuan, Lu Wenyao."

"Lu Wenyao."

Li Fei murmured the name.

Lu Wenyao was the cousin of the current Lu family head, Lu Wenzheng.

Among the direct descendants of the previous generation of the Lu family, Lu Wenyao had always been the one with the highest talent for martial arts.

The Lu family had high hopes for him, sending him into the military to be tempered and focusing on his cultivation.

After the Great War in the North broke out, Lu Wenyao led troops in battle within the Northern Frontier Army.

During the first great battle, this 59-year-old "old general" successfully broke through his realm, became a Martial Arts Master, and beheaded the enemy commander!

Afterward, the Son of Heaven conferred upon Lu Wenyao the title of Earl Wu Xuan.

Later, when the Northern Army invaded the wilderness, Lu Wenyao was also among them, fighting alongside Prince Cheng and once again earning military merit.

Relying on the Lu family's maneuvering, Lu Wenyao was expected to be conferred the title of Marquis if he could earn a bit more military merit.

At that time, the Lu family would have two Marquises and three Earls!

Among them, Lu Wenzheng's Marquis title was hereditary, sharing glory with the nation!

Before Li Fei returned to Lanling City, Lu Wenyao had already returned to the capital and did not plan to return to the North for the time being.

After Li Fei became a "Gu Ming Minister," Lu Wenyao quickly sent a visiting card, but Li Fei had ignored him.

"Reply to Lu Wenyao and invite him to the mansion this afternoon for a talk."

Li Fei said.

"Yes."

The steward withdrew.

In November, Lanling City saw light snow again, and Earl Wu Xuan Lu Wenyao braved the snow to arrive at the Jing'an Marquis Mansion.

The 59-year-old Lu Wenyao looked only in his early thirties because he had broken through to become a Dao Foundation martial artist at thirty, and since then, every time he incorporated an implant, his lifespan increased by ten years, so his appearance hadn't changed much.

His brow was always filled with a sense of high spirits, making people feel he was a very confident person.

Today, he wore a black gold-woven python-patterned robe, cloud-patterned black shoes, and a waist plaque symbolizing his Earl status, walking into the Jing'an Marquis Mansion with large strides.

Led by the steward, Lu Wenyao walked into the guest hall.

Inside the hall, Li Fei, dressed in gold, sat quietly.

"Greetings, Marquis Jing'an!"

Lu Wenyao took the initiative to cup his hands in greeting.

"Please sit."

Li Fei did not rise to greet him, only saying indifferently.

Lu Wenyao's expression changed slightly as he sat opposite Li Fei.

After the servant served Lu Wenyao tea, Li Fei raised his cup to signal:

"Drink tea."

"Haha, good."

Lu Wenyao picked up the cup and took a sip, while silently observing the young man opposite him.

The hall fell silent again.

After waiting for a few minutes, seeing that Li Fei had no intention of speaking, Lu Wenyao raised an eyebrow and said:

"I wonder why Marquis Jing'an invited me here today?"

Li Fei glanced at him: "You were the one who wanted to visit me; you should be the one telling me what you want to talk about."

Lu Wenyao's expression stiffened, then he forced a smile:

"There are indeed some things I'd like to discuss with Marquis Jing'an."

"Hmm."

"Then I'll be direct: regarding that case from back then, to what extent does the Marquis want to take it?"

"Reopen the case, clear my Master and Mistress's names, and have everyone involved dealt with."

Li Fei said quite directly.

Lu Wenyao looked at him: "Just that?"

Li Fei met his gaze and said calmly:

"Also, the person behind the scenes must pay the price."

"The person behind the scenes... who would that be?"

Lu Wenyao stared fixedly at Li Fei.

"Lu Wenzheng."

Li Fei still said the name calmly, as if he were talking about any ordinary person.

Lu Wenyao narrowed his eyes, subconsciously clenching his fists:

"Does the Marquis know that he is the head of my Lu family?"

"Change the family head, and he won't be anymore."

Li Fei's words made Lu Wenyao's heart skip a beat.

It was too direct, and too brutal!

Lu Wenyao pursed his lips: "The Marquis is joking."

Li Fei was blunt: "I called you here not to joke with you. If you think I'm joking, you can leave now."

"."

Lu Wenyao clenched his fists.

He truly had never been scolded like this by a junior so much younger than himself in his entire life!

But he had no qualifications to be tough in front of Li Fei.

Compared to Li Fei, the things he was proud of were nothing!

In terms of title, he was an Earl, while Li Fei was a Marquis, and a hereditary one at that.

In terms of official position, he was currently a Level 15 Martial General, while Li Fei was a Level 16 Cabinet Official.

In terms of power, the meager troops he held couldn't compare to the Killing Barbarian Army, which possessed over three thousand Imperial Camp soldiers.

In terms of martial power, he had just become a single-attribute Martial Arts Master, while Li Fei had already beheaded five Martial Arts Masters in the Northern Wilderness...

The only thing he was stronger in than Li Fei was his family background.

But facing Li Fei, who was already a "Gu Ming Minister," now only the family head Lu Wenzheng had the qualifications to talk to Li Fei as an equal.

And Li Fei just said he wanted the Lu family to change their family head...

"We are actually very sincere and willing to offer enough compensation. Whether it's cultivation resources or official resources, as long as you speak up, we can talk! Our Lu family can even fully support your foster father Li Lei, helping him first become the Garrison Commander of a prefecture, and then compete for the position of Inspection Commissioner in the future. That way, he would also be a great help to you!"

"And your sister, we..."

"That's enough."

Li Fei interrupted Lu Wenyao, "Lu Wenzheng must die; there's no room for negotiation on that."

Lu Wenyao gritted his teeth, his tone severe: "The case of Shangguan Xiao alone isn't enough to convict the family head. Do you dare to kill an Inspection Commissioner without cause? Kill a high-ranking official of the frontier?!"

Li Fei smiled: "So, is your Lu family determined to fight me to the end? Are you sure?"

"."

Lu Wenyao fell silent; he didn't dare to answer that.

This was actually the crux of the problem, and the reason why the Lu family had to take the initiative to soften their stance—

Li Fei could afford to wait, but the Lu family couldn't!

If the First Prince won the struggle for the throne, the Lu family wouldn't have to worry, because Li Fei wouldn't have the chance to grow and would definitely be liquidated.

But now, the Crown Prince was supervising the state, and Li Fei had become a "Gu Ming Minister."

So the Lu family didn't dare to wait any longer.

"I just said, change the family head; Lu Wenzheng isn't impossible to sacrifice. For example, you could be the family head."

Li Fei said nonchalantly while drinking tea.

Lu Wenyao's eyes flickered.

Li Fei didn't choose this person to come to the mansion to talk to him by accident.

After carefully studying the internal situation of the Lu family, besides the family head's lineage represented by Lu Wenzheng, Lu Wenyao's branch was currently the strongest among the other branches.

Moreover, Lu Wenyao had already broken through to become a Martial Arts Master, and his lifespan was far longer than Lu Wenzheng's.

In other words, once Lu Wenzheng died, Lu Wenyao was definitely one of the most likely candidates to take the position of family head!

So when Li Fei said the words "for example, you could be the family head," Lu Wenyao's reaction was obvious.

He definitely had ideas about the position of family head, and before Li Fei pointed it out today, he must have thought about it!

Li Fei looked at him, put down his teacup, and said indifferently:

"Let's speak plainly. I want Lu Wenzheng and those who participated in framing my Master and Mistress to die, but I don't necessarily have to fight your Lu family to the end. For example, I can support you to be the head of the Lu family."

Lu Wenyao's expression finally changed; he could no longer remain calm.

"With Li Fei's current power and influence, if he supports me to be the family head..."

Lu Wenyao's heart began to race.

This was indeed the most favorable plan for himself—no, for the entire Lu family!

Lu Wenyao was also a man who had killed on the battlefield, and he soon made a decision.

He looked into Li Fei's eyes: "I represent the Lu family in agreeing to this!"

Li Fei smiled slightly and raised his teacup to signal to Lu Wenyao:

"Earl Wu Xuan, please."

"Marquis, please!"

In the midst of conversation, the fate of the Lu family, one of the "Ten Great Clans" and its current head, was decided just like that.

Outside the hall, sunlight spilled like gold foil into the courtyard, shining on the old tree with twisted branches.

After the deep winter, it would soon be full of new green.

Seeking monthly votes.

(End of chapter)